Brain Damage Lawyer Tampa, FL
Medical boards must enforce real accountability, not shield colleagues.
When a brain injury occurs, it can affect more people than just the injured person themselves. The results can be disastrous and impact a person’s daily life and ability to function. Our Tampa, FL brain damage lawyer knows this all too well, and has helped many clients just like you get the compensation they deserve for a brain damage injury that has led to so much grief and pain. Call our results-driven law firm, Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so unless we win your case, you won’t ever see a bill from us. Reach out now to get started.
How Brain Injuries Occur
A traumatic brain injury is a type of injury where brain cells deteriorate and die, typically as a result of an impact such as a blow to the head, a violent shake to the body, or a puncture wound where a foreign object pierces the brain. Mild brain injuries like a concussion can heal and recover over a few days.
If a head injury is more severe, it can cause bruising, swelling, torn blood vessels, and other kinds of damage to the brain. Once a person sustains a catastrophic brain injury, the damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.
A brain injury can have many types of causes. Some of the most common causes are falls and blows to the head. The following are common scenarios that can result in a brain injury:
- Struck by an object. If a person is struck by a blunt object such as a rock, it can cause brain damage. This is common among construction workers and sports athletes.
- Slip and fall. A fall can cause significant brain damage. Many people are injured after falling from ladders and stairs.
- Vehicle accidents. Car, truck and motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of brain injuries.
- Gunshot wounds. Bullet wounds can shatter the skull and pierce the brain, leading to blood loss and permanent brain damage.
- Anesthetic error. If an anesthetic is not administered correctly prior to surgery, a patient can sustain brain damage.
- Surgical error. Errors made during surgery are common causes of brain injuries.
- Penetrating wounds. A sharp object that punctures the brain such as a knife is another common cause of injuries to the brain.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Although you can go through a lawsuit for a brain injury on your own, it can cause even more stress to your life that you don’t need after all you’ve already been through. Because of the complicated nature of the healthcare and hospital system, it is especially difficult to handle a brain injury claim alone. Our experienced Tampa brain damage lawyer has been through this before and can provide the legal guidance you will need. You can count on our skills and experience for your legal claim.
Our lawyer will:
- Act as your advocate.
- Negotiate and speak with insurance companies, hospitals, and other involved parties on your behalf.
- Provide sound legal advice and guidance.
- Represent you in court.
- Write letters and make phone calls on your behalf.
- File any legal paperwork of lawsuits with the court.
If you or your loved one has suffered from a brain injury, there are legal options to consider. You deserve to be compensated, and our lawyer can help make sure that happens. We have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to get you through this. Injuries like this can lead to very expensive medical bills, leaving you to figure out how to pay them and how to move forward with your injured loved one. Let our firm reduce your stress by handling the legal side of the process on your behalf.
Damages to Which You May Be Entitled
Creating an accurate list of the full damages that you can sue for is critical if you want to receive the highest financial compensation possible. Economic and non-economic damages for medical bills (including future treatment expenses), missed wages, reduced earning capacity, and general pain and suffering are types of damages that you may be entitled to receive. While you have the choice to calculate your losses on your own, it is recommended to work with our lawyer so that you have an accurate list. If you forget to include certain damages, like certain medical expenses, it may be more difficult to obtain compensation for it later on.
Call Us Today
Our lawyers will be glad to listen to your case and specific circumstances to better understand your legal needs. We will offer you the legal options and guidance you’re looking for. Don’t wait to take legal action. It’s not your job to know the law. We can handle that for you and act on your behalf to help you get through this with a positive outcome. Most of the time, a brain damage injury cannot be reversed and may affect your injured loved one for the rest of their life. But our brain damage lawyers can help you and your family get the healing and compensation you deserve for all of your suffering and expensive medical bills. Don’t wait. Call us today to schedule your free consultation!
Impact of a Brain Injury
If you suspect you’ve experienced a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, your first call should be to your doctor, and your second should be to our personal injury attorney. Brain injuries can turn your life completely upside-down, and the sooner you get medical and legal help, the better.
But how much can you expect your life to change if you’ve experienced brain damage? If you’re lucky, not much will change and you can return to normal life. But if you’re unlucky, you may have to completely relearn how to carry out your daily life, and it’ll take a long time to adjust to a new normal that you never asked for. Getting financial compensation for your injuries is always a smart move, and it can help relieve some of the stress you might be experiencing, as well as cover some of those pricey medical bills.
Living With A Brain Injury
The brain is the most complex organ in the body, and every brain injury is different. Some, like concussions, are treatable and recoverable. On the other hand, many brain injuries are permanent and can lead to lifelong disabilities. The type of brain injury you experience depends on the type of accident you were involved in, and the circumstances surrounding your accident can determine whether or not you are entitled to financial compensation.
The impact of a brain injury can be a lifelong battle. Some who experience severe brain damage report changes in temperament, and difficulties with memories and remembering. Others may experience difficulties with motion, and still others experience a complete loss of ability when it comes to activities they used to perform with ease. Brain damage is tragic, and all too often brain damage is forever. All the more reason to contact our brain damage attorney today.
5 Types Of Brain Damage
Brain damage can happen to anyone, whether it’s from an accident or an illness, and the damage can be subtle or severe, causing people to turn to our Tampa brain damage lawyers. Severe brain damage can leave you unable to speak or perform basic self-care tasks. There are many different causes of brain damage, as well as many symptoms that you might see as the result of brain damage.
The following information gives you a starting point when considering whether to consult our attorney for advice. When you are ready to seek compensation, contact our team at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for help immediately.
1) Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common types of brain damage. If you’ve been in a car accident or similar event and suffered a head injury, your brain may have been injured, resulting in debilitating mental or physical conditions. In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 2 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries each year. So, what happens after a traumatic brain injury occurs? That’s where having a personal injury lawyer can help. Hiring an experienced attorney can help make sure that you get appropriate compensation for your injury and damages.
2) Anoxic Brain Injury
Under normal circumstances, your brain would have oxygen delivered to it through the blood, but when deprived of enough oxygen over a sustained period, it will die and be unable to function properly. This is what leads to anoxic brain injuries. This damage can result from many causes, most often cardiac arrest or drowning. The severity of anoxic brain injury varies widely, depending on how long the oxygen deprivation lasts and whether there are any other contributing factors. Regardless, anoxic brain injuries have lasting consequences on physical health as well as mental health.
3) Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
CTE can happen when a person has suffered repeated blows to the head, specifically concussions. This is often found in football players, hockey players, and rugby players who participate in contact sports. The most common symptoms for those who have CTE are confusion, depression, and severe cognitive impairment. While those who suffer from acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) may experience short-term loss of consciousness or may be unable to recall certain events immediately before or after the injury. People with TBIs might suffer brain swelling and serious problems with memory, attention, speech and language. It’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible because it is possible that injuries to the brain might worsen if not attended to properly. If you or someone you love has experienced CTE, contact our Tampa brain damage lawyer today.
4) Stroke
A stroke is usually caused by blockage or rupture of the blood vessels in a portion of the brain. Either event can cause sections of the brain to stop working and, if they are not rapidly brought under control, can lead to permanent disability or death. However, some people survive strokes and go on to lead healthy lives with only minor disabilities.
5) Tumors
Brain tumors can be life threatening, and they may grow quickly. Doctors may need to perform tests like CT scans, MRI scans, endoscopy, biopsy, and more in order to find out what type of tumor you have and what stage it is. If malpractice occurs during treatment for a tumor, that is when you should consider contacting an attorney.
If you or someone you love has experienced an injury, contact our Tampa brain damage lawyers at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for help.
Brain Damage Infographic
Tampa Brain Injury Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), there were about 214,110 hospitalizations due to TBI in 2020, and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021 in the U.S.
TBIs are a major cause of death and disability. The CDC estimates that there are more than 586 TBI-related hospitalizations and 190 TBI-related deaths every single day when averaged over relevant reporting periods.
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of TBIs that require hospitalization and also contribute significantly to TBI-related deaths. Falls and firearms are also large causes of TBI.
In the period 2018-2019, unintentional motor vehicle crashes accounted for approximately 17% of all TBI-related deaths, with an average annual age-adjusted rate of about 3.1 deaths per 100,000 population from that cause.
Brain Damage FAQs
When someone we care about experiences brain damage because of another person’s actions, it can impact nearly every aspect of daily life. These injuries often result in long-term medical care, loss of income, and emotional strain for the entire family. Legal action may be available to help with recovery costs, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we help clients make informed decisions by offering guidance that’s practical, not just legal. Our team has handled serious injury cases involving medical negligence, auto collisions, and other traumatic events that lead to lasting neurological damage. If you’re looking for answers, this page is a place to begin. If you’re searching for a Tampa, FL brain damage lawyer, here’s what you may want to know.
What should I do if a loved one has brain damage from an accident?
The first step is to prioritize medical care and follow all recommended treatment plans. Once immediate health needs are managed, it’s important to begin documenting the situation, including medical records, photos, witness statements, and insurance information. These details help build a foundation for any future legal claim. Our traumatic brain injury attorney can walk through what information matters most, so we don’t lose key evidence with time.
Can I file a lawsuit for traumatic brain injury caused by someone else?
Yes, if someone else’s careless or reckless actions led to the injury, a legal claim may be possible. This includes accidents involving vehicles, unsafe property conditions, medical malpractice, and violent assaults. In these cases, our brain injury legal advocate can help determine if there’s a valid claim and what compensation might be available. These claims typically include compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, lost income, and related losses.
How long do I have to sue for brain damage after a car crash?
In Florida, the general time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. That deadline starts from the date of the crash or the date the injury became known. It’s important to take action before that time passes, or the claim could be dismissed. Our Tampa brain damage injury lawyer can help review timelines and determine how they apply to the facts of your case.
What kind of lawyer handles brain injury claims?
Personal injury attorneys who work with catastrophic injuries are usually the ones to contact. Our brain injury law firm has experience handling traumatic injury cases and we can help assess long-term medical needs, connect with medical experts, and pursue compensation for both short-term and lifelong effects. Not all personal injury lawyers focus on this type of case, so it helps to ask about specific experience with neurological injuries.
What is the average settlement for a brain damage lawsuit?
Each case is unique, so there isn’t one standard amount that fits every situation. Settlements may range from thousands to millions, depending on the severity of the injury, the cost of care, loss of earnings, and other long-term impacts. Our head injury lawyer can review all these factors and give a realistic picture of what to expect.
Taking the first step to speak with our Tampa injury lawyer may feel like a big decision, but it may be the right one after an injury that changes the course of someone’s life. The attorneys at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. can help families take meaningful steps forward when they feel stuck.
Tampa Brain Damage Glossary
We understand the life-altering impact that brain injuries can have on individuals and their families. As experienced Tampa, FL brain damage lawyers, we are committed to helping clients pursue compensation for their injuries. Below, we explain key legal terms often encountered in brain injury cases to provide clarity and support during this challenging time.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head damages brain cells. TBIs range in severity from mild concussions to severe injuries that result in permanent cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments. For example, a person involved in a car accident may sustain a TBI that affects their memory, balance, or ability to perform everyday tasks.
When pursuing a case involving a TBI, it’s critical to gather medical evidence and, often, expert testimony to show the link between the injury and the negligence that caused it. These cases can provide the financial resources needed for ongoing treatment and care.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Brain injury cases typically involve both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. For instance, a person unable to work due to a severe brain injury may seek compensation for their loss of income and future earning potential.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. These damages recognize the profound personal impact that brain injuries often have on victims and their families, from losing the ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed to the emotional toll of adjusting to a new normal.
Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim allows an injured party to seek compensation for harm caused by another’s negligence. In brain injury cases, these claims often focus on proving that the defendant’s reckless or careless actions led to the injury. Examples include a slip-and-fall accident caused by unsafe property conditions, or a traumatic brain injury resulting from a distracted driving accident.
Filing a personal injury claim involves gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to establish liability and damages. These claims aim to provide financial relief and support for recovery.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care results in harm to a patient. In brain injury cases, malpractice may include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or improper administration of anesthesia. For example, a patient who suffers oxygen deprivation during a medical procedure due to negligence may experience permanent brain damage.
Proving medical malpractice requires demonstrating that the provider’s actions deviated from standard practices and directly caused the injury. These cases often involve detailed analysis of medical records and consultation with expert witnesses.
Anoxic Injury
An anoxic injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period. Even a few minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible harm to brain cells. These injuries often result from complications during surgery, anesthesia mismanagement, or choking incidents. The symptoms vary depending on how long the brain went without oxygen, but can include motor skill problems, memory loss, and personality changes.
In legal cases, we typically work with medical specialists to examine hospital records, analyze how the injury happened, and prove whether the correct emergency procedures were followed. Establishing this connection is essential in building a strong claim.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) develops over time after repeated head trauma. This is seen often in athletes involved in contact sports or individuals in high-risk professions. Unlike a single-event injury, CTE progresses slowly and might not be noticeable for years. Symptoms include mood swings, aggression, memory problems, and impaired judgment.
From a legal perspective, cases involving CTE often require historical medical evaluations, proof of repetitive head trauma, and sometimes even postmortem analysis. These claims are complicated, but important in seeking justice for those whose exposure to repeated head injuries led to cognitive decline.
Stroke-Related Brain Damage
A stroke can cause localized brain damage by interrupting blood flow due to a clot or ruptured blood vessel. Depending on the area affected, a stroke can impair speech, movement, or vision. If a stroke occurs during medical care, such as during surgery or while hospitalized, it’s essential to examine whether proper protocols were followed.
For cases where a brain injury is linked to medical care or a delay in treatment, we carefully analyze records and timelines to determine if the injury could have been avoided. These situations often involve close coordination with neurological professionals.
Surgical Error-Induced Injury
Brain damage can also result from a surgical mistake. These may include incorrect procedures, improper use of tools, or failure to monitor a patient during surgery. An error involving anesthesia is particularly dangerous and may lead to a lack of oxygen, causing immediate and lasting brain damage.
In these cases, we gather surgical notes, patient charts, and internal hospital procedures to show whether accepted practices were followed. If a deviation caused harm, that becomes the basis of the legal claim. These injuries may not just alter memory or coordination, they can also remove a person’s ability to communicate or care for themselves.
If your family is facing the impact of brain injury, we encourage you to speak with our legal professional about your situation. At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we assist clients by helping them take meaningful steps toward compensation and peace of mind. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on health and recovery.
Contingency Fee Agreement
A contingency fee agreement allows clients to pursue legal action without paying upfront legal fees. Under this arrangement, the lawyer receives payment only if the case is successful, typically as a percentage of the compensation awarded. This model makes legal representation accessible to those facing significant financial challenges due to their injuries.
For individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury, a contingency fee agreement can alleviate the financial strain of pursuing justice while focusing on recovery.
Standing Up For Brain Injury Victims in Tampa, FL
At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we are dedicated to helping Tampa residents seek justice and compensation for brain injuries caused by negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, contact us today to schedule a consultation, and learn how we can assist you during this difficult time. We have decades of experience and there are no legal fees unless we win your case. Don’t wait to get the help you need to get the compensation you deserve.